Quick Action and AED help patron in time of need

Grain Valley Community Center Manager Jim Meyer is a familiar face to those who frequent the Community Center, and is known for his friendly demeanor and extensive experience in the Parks and Recreation Department. Meyer's quick action on Monday morning to utilize the Center's AED likely saved a man's life. 

A senior citizen utilizing the fitness center on the morning of April 7th suffered a medical emergency and was found unresponsive. Other fitness center patrons alerted staff of the issue, and Meyer quickly sprang into action, performing AED on the man who is now recovering from the incident.

​Meyer said he and his staff regularly undergo training, including training on using an AED, an automated external defibrillator. The AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart muscle to try and restore a normal heartbeat. 

Meyer said the AED prompts are clear and easy for any person to assist someone in need, and he was grateful for the training and the quick action of his staff and patrons on site Monday morning. Paramedics arrived quickly and the man was transported to the hospital for evaluation. 

Meyer said AEDs are located in all city park facilities and outside at Armstrong Park. 

"He needed help, and I was just glad he was here at our place," Meyer said.

​Meyer said he and his staff regularly undergo training, including training on using an AED, an automated external defibrillator. The AED analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart muscle to try and restore a normal heartbeat. Photo credit: City of Grain Valley, Grain Valley News staff